Zimbabwe: Teachers begin indefinite strike February 5

Event

Teachers in Zimbabwe began an indefinite strike over wages on Tuesday, February 5. According to the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), approximately 60 to 75 percent of its members stayed home. Other teachers reportedly arrived at school but did not teach. There were also reports of security forces patrolling schools and monitoring the attendance of teachers. It is unclear how long or how well-attended the strike will be. Associated protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

There are an estimated 100,000 public school teachers in Zimbabwe. Teachers held multiple protests and strikes in early January 2019 to demand to be paid in US dollars. The country has been experiencing deteriorating economic conditions for more than a year along with a more recent fuel shortage and surge in commodity prices.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any related public demonstrations as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and postpone nonessential travel.